See You in the Sunshine State

I’m going to keep my blog real short this week, as I’m busy preparing for the International Biomass Conference & Expo being held in Orlando, Fla., which kicks off next week.

It opens Monday with two preconference seminars—the Pellet Supply Chain Summit and the Bioenergy Project Development Seminar—as well as a golf outing at Shingle Creek. I’ve actually never golfed in my life, so you won't find me there. Instead, I’ll be co-moderating the PSCS.

If you’re not arriving in time for the seminars, the trade show ribbon cutting and opening reception starts at 5 p.m. This is one of the best networking opportunities that this or any other industry trade show offers (not to mention delicious food), so I hope to see you there. I’ll be meandering about taking photos and checking out exhibits.

The next morning, I have a feeling the “State of the Industry” general session is going to bring about some very interesting conversation, particularly when it comes to advanced biofuels and everything that’s happened in the sector during the past year, especially policywise. Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams will be on stage with half a dozen other industry leaders, and, as you likely know if you’ve ever had the opportunity to see him speak before, he will undoubtedly have some intense commentary to offer regarding the current state and future of advanced biofuels. It's been a tough year for the sector.

On the bright side, it’s going to be nice to enjoy some warm weather after the hideous winter most of the country has endured.